KANSAS ATTRACTS UK AND EUROPEAN COMPANIES
Added: (Tue Nov 13 2001)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
A marketing push by the State of Kansas to attract UK and European companies to the Midwest state is paying dividends, according to the Kansas Europe office based in Leatherhead, Surrey.
Currently around 20 British companies, and a further 30 from Europe, have US operations based in Kansas, says David Bowden-Smith, Trade and Investment consultant for the Kansas Europe office.
The majority are in four industry sectors where Kansas has established a world-class reputation: aerospace, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and transport/logistics.
"Aerospace in particular offers great opportunities for European companies. In Wichita alone you'll find a cluster of leading aircraft manufacturers, including Bombardier Lear Jet, Boeing, Raytheon and Cessna," Bowden-Smith says.
"These are big companies, building some of the world's most prestigious commercial and corporate jets. UK and European companies are already supplying them with goods and services, so for many it makes good sense to set up their own operations nearby.
"Our role in the Kansas Europe office is to work with European companies exporting to the USA who need to get closer to their customers. We identify their specific business needs and then work with the Kansas Department of Commerce to identify suitable partners and premises, and available financial incentives and support services."
Bowden-Smith points to companies like Aerospace Systems & Technologies, Martin Dawes Call Centre and Midwest Technologies Limited as examples of UK companies enjoying new business growth in Kansas.
Chippenham-based Midwest Technologies is a technical publishing and software design company with expertise in the aerospace and defence sectors. The company has been a supplier to one of the big Wichita-based aircraft manufacturers for some years, and identified positive business benefits and cost savings that could result from having a local presence.
The company opened its Wichita office, Midwest Technologies Inc., with six staff in May 2001, and has plans to increase staff numbers over the next 18 to 24 months. UK Managing Director Malcolm Toogood is pleased with progress to date.
"Setting up the Division in the USA was one of the most unproblematic ventures I have ever undertaken, thanks to the support we received from the Wichita Chamber and the Kansas Department of Commerce," he says.
The move to Kansas has already proved well justified for Midwest Technologies Inc., with increased customer confidence and additional business opportunities.
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Issued by Prowse & Co on behalf of the State of Kansas. For further information call David Bowden-Smith or Marina Rega : tel: +44 (0)1372 363 386
News release and photo are available online at :
http://www.prowse.co.uk/newsf.html
12 November 2001